By Jacqueline Guest
Published by Coteau Books
$14.95 ISBN 978-1-55050-943-4
Jacqueline Guest, bestselling author of Belle of Batoche, masterfully weaves her knowledge of Drumheller, Alta. into a mystery sure to keep young readers wondering to the very last chapter.
Sam Stellar, a 14-year-old spy enthusiast, and her tech loving friend, Paige, are looking forward to spending their summer at the Royal Tyrrell Museum as part of a work experience program. However, a case presents itself when a person aboard their bus sets off Sam's weirdometer (her self proclaimed spy sense) and fits the description of a cross-country fossil thief. A short while later, after unpacking the crated bones of a South American dinosaur, Sam believes she's found an unaccounted for dinosaur bone. But before she can make sure, it suddenly disappears!
Why was it stolen? And more importantly, who is to blame? Using her deductive reasoning and extensive online spy training, Sam is determined to find out.
In less than 150 pages, Death by Dinosaur manages to deliver what every good detective story needs — humour, suspense, characters you can root for (or against) and a few nail biting moments to get the heart racing.
In tricky situations, Sam's ingenuity will have readers mentally applauding while Paige, a reluctant Watson to Sam's Sherlock, lightens the mystery with her quips and sarcasm. Together, they stumble around in a series of misadventures and bring a colourful cast of characters in help solve Operation Dinosaur.
And when all is revealed, it's in a style that would do 007 proud.
In this promising first novel of the series, Ms. Guest blends facts with fiction, providing extra details without overwhelming her audience. She doesn't forget her information hungry readers though. There are pages of information on the museum and its programs after the book concludes. She also avoids the necessity of a glossary by describing unfamiliar terms and names right away. You won't be bogged down by jurassic jargon.
This was my first foray into Guest's work and I am already looking forward to the next case her budding spy is thrown into. I have no doubt her fans will feel the same.
— This book is available at your local bookstore or from www.skbooks.com
